爱尔兰国立高威大学

Course Overview

This programme is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the key trends and changes in family life and child and youth development, with a specific focus on Irish society. There are two underpinning beliefs built into the programme, one being that children and young people need to be valued, listened to and enabled to reach their full potential and the other that at some stage, all families, no matter who they are, need help and support to function.

Given this, the programme places specific emphasis on developing the knowledge and practical skills required to work in the youth work, family support and community development sector.

The core strengths of this programme include: an eight-month work placement in year three; small group teaching delivered in the Institute for Life course and Society, the University’s flagship Institute for applied social science research that informs policy and practice; and teaching that is led by professionals working in practice and staff from the internationally recognised UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre.

Course Outline

This course is delivered through a series of modules centred around child, youth and family studies. These modules introduce students to the disciplines of political science, sociology, public and social policy, economics, psychology, the creative arts, information technology and law. Many of the modules have a strong focus on personal and professional skills development, equipping students with both research skills and the range of skills necessary to work in the sector.

Further Education

For students who wish to pursue further education and training, graduates with this degree will be eligible to apply for a range of postgraduate courses on offer at NUI Galway and other third level institutions.

Career Opportunities

This degree programme will offer a variety of career opportunities. Upon graduation, students will have the necessary knowledge and skill-set to apply directly for positions in the community, non-profit and statutory sector. With an emphasis throughout the programmes on practice and public policy, as reflected in the modules delivered, students are well-placed to seek employment in the following areas:

• Youth work
• Family Support
• Community Development
• Public Administration
• Research